Oman has implemented a stringent new anti-drug law, Royal Decree No. 67/2026, which replaces the previous 1999 legislation. Published in the Official Gazette No. 1664 on September 6, 2026, the law officially took effect on September 7, 2026. The new regulations establish clear distinctions between personal consumption and commercial trafficking, introducing severe penalties including imprisonment, heavy fines, and the death penalty for repeat offenders or those involved in international smuggling networks.
Key highlights of the new law:
- Replaces the 1999 legislation with Royal Decree No. 67/2026.
- Introduces clear distinctions between personal use and commercial trafficking.
- Imposes severe penalties up to the death penalty for serious offenses.
- Includes rehabilitation options and strict rules for travelers carrying medication.
For personal use, possession, acquisition, or production of narcotics or psychotropic substances, individuals face
one to three years in prison and fines ranging from OMR 1,000 to OMR 5,000. For trafficking offenses involving the import, export, or production of such substances,
fines are set between OMR 35,000 and OMR 60,000. Possession or distribution for trafficking purposes carries a
minimum 15-year prison sentence and fines of OMR 10,000 to OMR 25,000, which can escalate to life imprisonment under aggravating circumstances. The death penalty is reserved for the most serious cases, including repeat offenses, exploitation of legal immunity, using legally incapable individuals for drug operations, or participation in international smuggling gangs. Offenses committed near schools, places of worship, prisons, or sports facilities are also subject to enhanced sentencing.
The law introduces provisions for rehabilitation, allowing courts to commit drug-dependent individuals to treatment centers for six months to one year.
Individuals who voluntarily seek help or have a qualifying relative report their dependency may avoid criminal prosecution under specific conditions, provided they comply with periodic testing mandated by the Public Prosecution for up to two years.
This legislation carries significant implications for the Indian expatriate community. According to the Indian Embassy in Muscat, as of February 2026, approximately 675,000 Indians resided in Oman, with 526,496 on work visas recorded in May 2026.
Indian travelers are advised that many medicines legally available in India—such as painkillers or sedatives—may be classified as controlled substances in Oman. The Ministry of Health generally permits up to a one-month supply of controlled medication for personal use, provided the traveler carries a valid prescription, medical report, and original packaging detailing the diagnosis and dosage. Royal Oman Police Customs warns that carrying parcels for others, including unidentified medicine or supplements, poses a significant legal risk. Travelers are strongly cautioned against transporting any packages whose contents are not fully verified. Indian residents and workers in sectors like construction, logistics, and healthcare should exercise extreme caution regarding workplace protocols and the handling of unknown items to avoid detention or deportation.
